Almost immediately after ground was broken in Stodden Park in July, 2015, work began on the structure for the Spirit of the Columbia Gardens Carousel.   When the carousel is completed the summer of 2016, Purple Majesty, the horse commissioned by the BHS Classes of 1957 and 1956 will at last have a chance to prance!   The classes donated $5000 to the carousel committee to buy the horse.

      Created by Ernie Smith, who glued together the basic pieces, carved and sanded them, our horse first met us folks who sponsored him at the 45th Reunion in 2002.

      Designed by carousel volunteer Stacie Knutson following motif suggestions from the reunion committee, the horse was painted by carousel volunteer Nordys Mason Wright with a "little help" from Delone (Huber) Smith.

      Embedded on the horse are class rings donated by Judy (Bork) Scott and Chuck Larsen, 1957, and Arlene (Masolo) Stepan and Phil Callow, 1956.   Here they are :

      Delone said that Ernie has been "gung ho" on the carousel project ever since it began in 1996.   "I've never been as involved as Ernie," Delone says.   She has helped now and then, she said, but Ernie's given hours upon hours of his time.

      Several Butte firms and construction experts, such as concrete men, carpenters, electricians and steel workers, have donated materials and their time.

      Carousel completion still depends on donations.   Cold hard cash is greatly appreciated!   If you want to donate to this fabulous project, which reminds us all of the good ol' days at the Columbia Gardens, you can do so through a PayPal link on the carousel's web site, www.buttecarousel.com or mail your check to Spirit of Butte Carousel, PO. Box 782, Butte, MT 59703.

               

The following set of photographs should acquaint you with the difficulty of the job and the talent of all those responsible.   Questions yet remain : How many sheets of what grit sandpaper were used ?   What type of glue was used and in what quantity ?